Coming into Swarthmore, I knew I wanted to major in something related to International Relations, but I also knew it was not a designated major. However, with this in mind, I began exploring what Swarthmore had to offer, and soon discovered one of the best programs on campus (I am a bit biased lol): Global Studies. 

Swarthmore’s Global Studies program is truly one of a kind. When you are a Global Studies major, you get to choose your own pathway to create your own Individualized Major. Global Studies encompasses so much that the variety of what you can major in is extremely robust. Students can major in Human Mobilities, Migrations, Diasporas (yes, that is all one major), Urban Studies, or even Global Political Economy, which is a great option if you do not want to individually meet the major requirements for both Political Science and Economics. I am a Global Politics and Policies major, and it has proven to be such a rewarding Global Studies pathway. 

Now, as a Global Studies major, you are not just limited to pre-designed majors like the ones listed earlier; you can also design your own major. A past Swattie (Swarthmore student) who was a Global Studies major studied Human Rights and French and Francophone Studies. It just goes to show you the versatility associated with the Global Studies program.

As a Global Studies student, I would highly recommend optimizing various study abroad opportunities. My first time studying abroad was for an Agricultural Science internship in Ireland. I am a Philip Evans Scholar through Swarthmore, which granted me summer funding to pursue this position. This study abroad endeavor was not through the Global Studies program, but it gave me a taste of what an international experience can feel like. 

During my sophomore year, I did an embedded study in Senegal with other Global Studies students, and it was one of the best abroad experiences I have ever had. From exploring Gorée Island to sharing a meal with my host family, Senegal will continuously stay with me.

During the Spring 2026 semester, I studied abroad in Samoa (and Fiji for two weeks). Getting to experience the Pacific Islands was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I visited rural villages, learned Samoan and even witnessed giant clams! My time in Samoa was beyond a rewarding experience.

Global Studies is not centered around travel, but exploration, inquiry and advocacy. Being a Global Studies major at Swarthmore has revealed to me a plethora of capabilities I hold and how I can operate in life as an active knowledge seeker. I strive to learn something new every day, and Swarthmore’s Global Studies program consistently feeds my goal. 

I am forever grateful to have chosen to be a Global Studies major. I also just want to give a special shout-out to Professor Ayse Kaya and Professor Carina Yervasi. They are literally such gems here on campus and have contributed to my passion as a self-proclaimed ambassador for Global Studies.